Archive: Issue No. 88, December 2004

Reaffirming its commitment to the development of arts and culture in South Africa, a ceremony was held on November 24, where the Japanese Ambassador Toshinori Shigeie presented a grant-in-aid contribution to Minster of Arts and Culture Dr. Pallo Jordan. The recipient of the award for 2005 is the State Theatre in Pretoria.

Minister Jordan gave a brief acceptance speech on behalf of South Africa, acknowledging the gratitude and appreciation of the country. Jordan commented he hoped that this would 'further strengthen relations between South Africa and Japan' and 'that relations could be concretised to cover other areas.'

Ambassador Shigeie noted that with the donation the State Theatre would install a multi-channel mixing desk, loud speaker clusters, amplifiers and equalisers, microphones and cordless communication systems to allow the Theatre to 'boast the very latest in technical equipment, thereby placing it ahead of all other theatres in South Africa.'

The Ambassador emphasised his appreciation of the South African 'Government's policies to promote preservation and development of its rich culture. It has become increasingly evident in today's world that a country's power is measured not only in terms of its military or economic strength, but increasingly with respect to its cultural intensity.'

The event was well attended by the media, with SABC news recording the speeches. However, it was another evening replete with formalities, and everyone seemed more comfortable when they could relax at the bar, or convene at the elaborate buffet table.

Grants such as these are important to the livelihood of culture in South Africa. The Government of Japan began cultural grants to South Africa in 2001 with a donation of lighting equipment to the Market Theatre. In 2003 audio-visual equipment was provided to the National Archives, and the same equipment was given to the Robben Island Mayibuye Archives in 2004.